Now you see it, now you don’t: World Cup vanishing spray is awesome

Now you see it, now you don’t: World Cup vanishing spray is awesome

Vanishing spray, which has been used in lower leagues and tournaments to keep defenders from encroaching on free kicks, is making its World Cup debut in Brazil. (AFP photo)

By RON KANTOWSKILAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

At the time of this writing, two games are in the books at the World Cup. These are the three coolest things I have witnessed so far:

1. Brazilian players named Fred and Hulk.

2. Croatia’s red-and-white table cloth soccer kits.

3. Vanishing spray.

Vanishing spray is even more awesome than a striker named Fred. It is being used on free kicks, so opposing players forming the wall do not encroach on the player taking the free kick while the opposing players protect a certain area on their bodies with both hands.

Vanishing spray sort of looks like shaving cream. It takes from 45 seconds to two minutes to disappear. It was invented by a journalist from Argentina after some of his old school pals in Buenos Aires kept crossing over the imaginary 10-yard line during their pickup game, and the journalist complained about it, and then he got sent off.

Its official name is 9:15, which is about how far 10 yards is in meters.

Vanishing spray has been used in lower leagues, but this is the first time it is being used in the World Cup. Referees are carrying the lightweight vanishing spray canister in a special holster on their shorts.

It would be cool if vanishing spray came out of the can in gel form, and then turned into foam, like Edge Sensitive Skin Shave Gel With Aloe. But that would probably slow down the game.